Citizen Tips for Providing Testimony at a Planning Commission/Board of County Commissioner Hearing

Goal 1 of Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals recognizes the importance of citizen involvement “in all phases of the planning process.” One of the principal ways for citizens to be involved is by testifying at local land use hearings.  These citizen tips are designed to help citizens prepare and deliver testimony during Tillamook County land use hearing processes.

Know the Process 

The Chair of the decision-making body will always read aloud the order of presentation and the process.   Presentation is generally as follows:

  • Planning Staff Presentation (generally 15 minutes)
    • Questions to Staff by the Decision-Maker
  • Applicant’s Presentation (generally 15 minutes)
    • Questions to Applicant by the Decision-Maker
  • Public Comment Period
    • Generally limited to 3 minutes per person.
  • Applicant Rebuttal & Final Statements
  • Staff Final Statements
  • Public Hearing Closed for Decision-Maker Deliberation
    • No further public testimony accepted. 
    • Decision-maker may ask questions of staff.
  • Decision
    • Decision-makers vote on issue.
    • Notice of Decision mailed to all parties.

Understand the Issue

  • Become familiar with the land use record (application, staff report and hearing materials) found here on the Land Use Applications page.
  • Become familiar with the relevant criteria (included in notice of public hearing). 

Prepare an outline of your testimony to use while testifying and focus testimony to the relevant criteria

  • Decisions to approve or deny a request are based on the relevant criteria.

Know when, where and who you are speaking to

  • Tillamook County Planning Commission or Board of County Commissioners- depending on nature of request, application review process, and current phase of hearing process.
  • Public testimony is generally limited to 3 minutes per person.
  • Be sure to state your name and address for the record at the beginning of your testimony to ensure you receive notice of decision after hearing process has ended.

Check Department Website for Updates

  • Visit the Land Use Applications page.
    • Follow posted calendar dates for written testimony submittal opportunities if the hearing is ongoing.
    • Review additional written testimony received during the open comment periods.
    • Review hearing packets and agendas if hearing process is ongoing.
    • Review Notice of Decision and remain informed on appeal dates.
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